Which description best fits Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Which description best fits Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

• A. Abdominal pain, cramping, gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation
• B. Fever and night sweats
• C. Severe dehydration
• D. Jaundice

Answer: (A)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional GI disorder where abdominal pain or discomfort is linked to changes in bowel habits. The description that includes abdominal pain, cramping, gas, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation fits IBS because it captures both the pain and the altered stool patterns that define this condition. Other findings like fever and night sweats suggest infection or a systemic illness, severe dehydration points to fluid loss from diarrhea or vomiting, and jaundice indicates liver or biliary problems—none of which are characteristic of IBS. So this description best reflects Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In practice, IBS is diagnosed based on symptoms and by ruling out red flags, with management focusing on dietary changes, stress management, and symptom-relief medicines.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional GI disorder where abdominal pain or discomfort is linked to changes in bowel habits. The description that includes abdominal pain, cramping, gas, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation fits IBS because it captures both the pain and the altered stool patterns that define this condition. Other findings like fever and night sweats suggest infection or a systemic illness, severe dehydration points to fluid loss from diarrhea or vomiting, and jaundice indicates liver or biliary problems—none of which are characteristic of IBS. So this description best reflects Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In practice, IBS is diagnosed based on symptoms and by ruling out red flags, with management focusing on dietary changes, stress management, and symptom-relief medicines.